Holafly Review: The Best eSIM for Travel in 2025?

In a world where staying connected is non-negotiable – whether you’re working remotely from a beach in Croatia or navigating the vibrant streets of Bangkok – picking the right eSIM provider can make a big difference.

Holafly claims to keep things simple, offering instant connectivity in over 160 countries with no roaming fees, unlimited data, and zero stress. But those are a lot of promises, so does it actually deliver?

Holafly has carved out a solid spot in the eSIM market, and upon closer inspection, it’s easy to see why. It’s particularly popular among digital nomads, frequent business travelers, and budget-conscious adventurers who just want reliable data without having to jump through hoops. You can skip the airport SIM hunt (an absolute nightmare, let’s be honest) and activate your plan via QR code before you’ve even boarded your flight. If you’re heading out on holiday, this is the dream.

What really sets Holafly apart from its competitors, however, is its wide coverage, user-friendly setup, and the peace of mind that comes with unlimited data options in so many destinations. It’s not the cheapest eSIM out there, we’ll admit it, but for convenience and ease of use, it’s a strong contender.

Overview of Holafly

Founded in 2018, Holafly is a Spain-based eSIM provider that’s quickly gained traction among global travelers looking for hassle-free mobile data.

The company is owned by a group of tech-savvy entrepreneurs focused on simplifying connectivity for international users – and so far, they’ve done a pretty solid job. Holafly is considered a trusted brand in the travel tech space.

In terms of market position, Holafly competes with other big eSIM players like Airalo and Nomad, but its focus on unlimited data and ultra-simple activation gives it a competitive edge, especially for people who don’t want to deal with data top-ups or tricky app navigation. Holafly ‘s primary objective is to prioritise convenience over budget and other factors – it’s all about making connectivity as easy as possible.

It’s ideal for digital nomads, frequent flyers, and remote workers who need fast, reliable coverage across multiple countries.

Holafly At a Glance

Coverage: 160+ countries

Network: Connects to top local carriers

Pricing: Mid-range, with unlimited data in many destinations

App Usability: Simple and user-friendly

Activation: Instant via QR code, no physical SIM needed

Coverage and Network Reliability

The question on everybody’s lips is, most certainly, so where is it available? And the good news is that’s one of the other major things that Holafly has put at the top of its list of priorities.

Supported Countries

Holafly offers impressive regional coverage across more than 160 destinations all over the world, making it a solid pick for travelers heading pretty much anywhere. From Europe to Asia and the Americas, chances are, you’ll find an eSIM plan that fits your trip.

Rather than offering a single global plan, Holafly focuses on regional and country-specific options – this is great if you’re staying in one place or moving around a bit within a region, like a lot of long-term travelers do.

Most of the big-name travel spots are covered, but there are still a few gaps. Some parts of the Middle East and more remote areas of Africa might not be supported yet, so make sure you  double check the list before you book and buy your plan.

Network Partners

Holafly partners with major local networks like AT&T, Vodafone, Orange, and Telefónica, depending on the country, of course. This means you’re usually riding on one of the most reliable networks available locally, which is ideal in terms of having good connectivity. Most plans offer strong 4G speeds, and 5G is available in select locations if your device supports it.

Performance by Region

• Europe: Speeds are excellent, especially in countries like Spain, France, and Germany. No major roaming issues.
• North America: Strong in bigger cities, but rural zones may see slight dips which isn’t uncommon.
• Asia: Solid in Japan, Thailand, and South Korea. Coverage in China works, but apps may require a VPN. ​
• South America and Africa: ​Available, but speeds can be patchy in remote areas.
  

Data Plans and Pricing

Holafly offers a variety of eSIM plans that are mostly priced and organized by destination rather than flat data amounts. Their main selling point is unlimited data in a whole lot of really popular destinations, which many people find more appealing than buying limited data packages, especially if budget isn’t an issue for you.

The cheapest plan currently starts around $6 for one day of unlimited data in select countries. The most expensive plans tend to go up to $99 for 30 days of unlimited data (although there are a few regions in which you can get up to 90-day plans for a gnarly $150).

At the moment, Holafly doesn’t offer specific discounts for long-term users or bulk purchases, although longer duration plans do offer better per-day value, so bear that in mind when you’re making a decision.

Cost Comparison Vs. Competitors

Compared to Airalo and Nomad, Holafly tends to be a bit more expensive upfront, there’s just no getting around it.

But, having said that, Holafly’s value lies in its unlimited data, which many competitors don’t offer.

Airalo, for example, one of the top eSIM providers in the world, only sells fixed data amounts – so if you’re a heavy user or someone who relies on maps, video, or hotspot tethering, Holafly may offer better bang for your buck.

Hidden Fees and Validity

Holafly is refreshingly straightforward – no hidden fees to worry about, and tethering/hotspot use is allowed (but not on all plans).

Data is valid only for the plan duration (e.g. five, 10, or 30 days), and can’t be carried over or topped up – not unusual, but worth bearing in mind.

Pricing Options

Holafly offers two main options: data plans organized by the amount of data and data plans that are unlimited, with prices varying based on how long they’re valid.

Here are its two options for set amounts of data:

In addition to their plans organized by data package size, Holafly also offers a range of unlimited packages that vary in terms of the duration of validity.

Internet Speed and Network Performance

When it comes to mobile connectivity abroad, speed and reliability are non-negotiable. Here’s how Holafly performs in real-world conditions across different regions.

Speed Tests

Generally speaking, Holafly delivers fast 4G/LTE speeds across most of its supported regions, with some locations even offering 5G access depending on the local partner network.

While it doesn’t promise blazing-fast 5G everywhere, users in countries like Germany, the US, and Japan have reported excellent download and browsing speeds.

Latency and Reliability

For everyday use, Holafly holds up well. Latency tends to be low in urban centres, making Zoom meetings and WhatsApp calls smooth and reliable.

That said, on unlimited plans, there’s a fair usage policy – that means that if you go over a certain data threshold, speeds may be throttled. It’s not a dealbreaker for most people, but if you’re a heavy user, this could be a problem.

Real-World User Feedback

Travelers often praise Holafly for its ease of use and dependable speeds. Most reviews highlight a stable connection in major cities, with only occasional slowdowns during peak hours or in more remote areas.

The setup process gets a lot of love too – users say getting connected is quick, and there’s no need to mess around with physical SIM cards. Overall, Holafly delivers a reliable experience for most travel needs and most importantly (for many people), it’s easy and intuitive to set up and use.

Ease of Use and Setup Process

Setting up and using Holafly is designed to be simple, even for first-time eSIM users. From buying your plan to getting support when things go wrong or aren’t working, the process is smooth and mostly hassle-free.

How to Buy and Install Holafly

Purchasing and activating a Holafly eSIM is straightforward.

Visit the Holafly website, select the destination (or destinations) you’re visiting, choose a data plan, and complete the purchase.

Then, you’ll receive a QR code via email. On your device, navigate to Settings > Mobile Data > Add eSIM, then scan the QR code.

After the installation is done, label your new line (e.g., “Holafly Spain”) and set it as your default for mobile data. Make sure data roaming is enabled so you can activate the eSIM.

App Usability

Holafly offers a user-friendly app available on both iOS and Android platforms, so pretty much anyone can use it.

Through the app, you can purchase, activate, and manage your eSIMs seamlessly. The interface is intuitive, allowing users to monitor data usage, switch between plans, and access support resources easily – but generally speaking, it’s so easy to use, you barely need support.

Customer Support

Holafly provides 24/7 customer support through multiple channels, including live chat and email. Users can reach out via the website’s chat feature or by emailing help@holafly.com.

Mostly, users report prompt and helpful responses, but others have mentioned delays and reliance on automated responses during peak times.

7. Pros and Cons of Holafly

✅ Pros:

✔ Instant setup: Easy QR code activation with no need for physical SIM cards

✔ Unlimited data: Many plans offer unlimited data, ideal for heavy users

✔ Global coverage: eSIMs available in 160+ countries and regions

✔ 24/7 customer support: Live chat and email help around the clock

✔ User-friendly app: Manage eSIMs, check data usage, and access support easily

✔ No roaming charges: Fixed pricing means no unexpected fees abroad

❌ Cons:

❌ No data sharing/hotspot: Tethering isn’t supported on unlimited plans

❌ Limited 5G access: Most connections are 4G/LTE, with only occasional 5G availability

❌ No top-up on unlimited plans: Once your plan ends, you must buy a new one

❌ Fair usage policy: Unlimited data may be throttled after a daily soft cap

❌ Can be pricier than competitors: Especially for light data users needing small GB plans

Who Should Use Airalo?

Ideal For:
✔ Frequent travelers who visit multiple countries thanks to the wide global coverage

✔ Tourists on short-term holidays who need hassle-free unlimited data

✔ Digital nomads and remote workers who rely on constant connectivity

✔ Business travelers needing reliable data for emails, maps, and video calls

✔ Users who want an easy setup without changing physical SIM cards

✔ Travelers who prefer 24/7 support in case of tech hiccups abroad

Not Ideal For:
❌ Budget-conscious users looking for the absolute cheapest data option

❌ Travelers needing a long-term data plan with top-up flexibility

❌ People who rely on local phone numbers for calls or texts

❌ Users who want consistent 5G access in all regions

❌ Long-term travelers – in the long run, local SIMs are almost always more cost-effective

How Does Holafly Compare to Other eSIM Providers?

How does Holafly compare to top competitors?

Holafly stands out by offering unlimited data plans in many destinations – something most competitors like Airalo and Nomad don’t consistently provide.

While Airalo and Nomad lean towards pay-per-GB pricing, Holafly’s flat-rate unlimited model is great for heavy users. But, Holafly tends to be slightly more expensive, especially for short trips or light data use, so if you’re counting pennies, you may want to consider another option.

Is it better for a specific audience?

Absolutely. Holafly is perfect for travelers who need reliable, high-speed data without worrying about topping up.

If you’re constantly online, Holafly’s unlimited plans are super convenient. It’s also ideal for digital nomads or remote workers who need consistent connectivity without hidden charges.

What’s the best alternative if Holafly doesn’t fit your needs?

If you’re looking for a cheaper option or only need a few gigabytes, Airalo is always a great pick. It’s budget-friendly, offers solid coverage, and lets you pay only for what you need.

Another top option is Nomad, especially if you want flexible data bundles and a sleek app interface.

Final Verdict: Is Holafly Worth It?

Holafly stands out for its reliable coverage in over 100 countries, making it a great choice for frequent travelers. It offers fast 4G/5G speeds, user-friendly app design, and convenient installation. Plus, there’s no need to worry about data expiration or SIM swap – the ultimate convenience.

On the downside, however, Holafly can be a bit pricier compared to other eSIM providers, especially for short trips. Coverage in more remote regions may not always be as strong as in popular tourist destinations, and some users have reported slower speeds in rural areas.

If you’re a frequent traveler or if you’re planning an extended trip, the higher price might be justified for the convenience and reliability, and the ease of use and instant activation can save you time and hassle.

At the end of the day, Holafly is ideal for digital nomads, business travelers, or anyone who wants consistent, easy-to-manage data abroad without worrying about topping up or running out of data. Of course, it’s worth mentioning that if you’re not too bothered about the price, then Holafly becomes even more attractive.

Ultimately, if you value simplicity and reliability over the lowest price, Holafly is a solid choice for your eSIM needs.